Local response after Tyre Nichols’ death was relatively quick, but challenges remain
Experts say officials here did better than those in other large cities
It took just 13 days for the Memphis Police Department to fire five officers Jan. 20 for their alleged roles in the incident. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in advance of the release of police video showing Tyre Nichols being beaten by Memphis police officers. Nichols later died as a result of the incident. (Gerald Herbert/AP Photo)
It took five years — five years — for New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo to be fired after Eric Garner’s death in 2014. In Memphis, in 2023, it took 13 days for five officers to be fired for their roles in Tyre Nichols’ death.
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Tyre Nichols Memphis Police Department Laurie Woods Tod Burke Ben Crump Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
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Don Wade
Don Wade has been a Memphis journalist since 1998 and he has won awards for both his sports and news/feature writing. He is originally from Kansas City and is married with three sons.
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